Three men were seen breaking into the store in Peverell on the corner of Outland Road at 2.30am before jumping into a dark coloured saloon thought to be an Audi.

It is believed the same three men were captured on CCTV breaking into the Mutley store at about 3.30am. They headed off in the same car towards Prince Maurice Road.

Following investigation, detectives now believe the gang initially targeted a Spar store at the Pennycomequick roundabout at around 1.20am, but were unable to gain entry. They then tried again, more successfully, at the the Peverell store.

McColl's in Alexandra Road

It is thought they then made another failed attempt on the Bargain Booze store on Mutley Plain before succeeding in smashing their way into the Alexandra Road McColl’s shop.

The car was last seen speeding through a red light at Marsh Mills, heading off towards Exeter on the A38.

The car had its lights off, so police could not see a numberplate on the CCTV.

Read More

A police spokesperson said: “CCTV from those locations shows that there were was a large amount of traffic around at the time and we are keen for anyone who may have seen these men acting suspiciously to come forward.

“We have now determined that the car used was a black Audi S3 Quattro and again want to hear from anyone who may have seen this vehicle in those areas at the times mentioned.”

Shelves of cigarettes were stripped by the robbers (Image: Lauren Haly)

Police have confirmed two men, aged 25 and 26, were arrested by investigators on August 1. Both men were released under investigation as inquiries continued.

If you were in the vicinity of any of those shops from 1.20am on July 30 onwards and saw any suspicious activity then call police on 101, email 101@dc.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference number CR/063217/17